Cambodia wants to inspect a stash of antiquities hoarded by a sacked Thai government official linked to a crime syndicate after hearing the treasure trove may include dozens of ancient Khmer sculptures.

The Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok wrote a letter nearly two weeks ago to Thai government officials requesting access to the recently seized artefacts, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Koy Kuong.

The embassy has not yet received a reply.

“The first thing we need to do is see and examine the objects,” Kuong said.

The loot was reportedly recovered as part of an investigation into former Central Investigation Bureau chief Pongpat Chayapan’s alleged extortion racket, Thai military-run media said.